Manchester United could be kicked out of Europa next season due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in the Premier League club.
The British billionaire is on the verge of formalising a £1.3billion deal with the Glazer family for a 25% stake.
Many United supporters are optimistic that Ratcliffe’s arrival will see a U-turn in the club’s fortunes.
However, one aspect that some United fans have overlooked is how their European prospects may be affected.
Ratcliffe and Ineos Group also own French side Nice. The Ligue 1 club are currently second behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
According to the UK Sun, UEFA’s ‘multi-club ownership rules’ state that if both teams finish in a Champions League spot, the team that finishes higher of the two gets the place with the other banned from Europe.
Furthermore, the only way United and Nice can both play in Europe next season is if one seals an automatic Champions League spot and the other qualifies directly for the Europa Conference League.
United are currently sixth on the Premier League table.